Sorry I missed this post earlier. Well, Grim, you just have to realize that those who might want to label you a nutcase are probably doing it for two reasons:
1- To distance themselves from anything paranormal because they don't want to be considered a "nut case", following what their parents taught them as children that these things are evil, or not real... which is due to a lack of knowledge and understanding.
2-To keep from thinking about possible experiences of their own which they have kept buried in their psyche for years, because they are afraid of it. Fear causes people to do some strange things to keep themselves in their own little "safety zone".
Paranormal groups gain their experience by doing what they do, for the most part. Visiting places that have a likelyhood of being "haunted", and taking photos, recording EVP's, and other things are all a part of their gaining experience. Some of the members may be person's like yourself, who have experienced what we call "paranormal" events, and they are sharing that experience, along with learning about it from other points of view.